How to Enable Parental Control for Firefox? (Desktop and Mobile)

Gaurav Rathore
Gaurav Rathore

Tech Writer

His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.

Reviewed ByBrandon Powers
4 min read

Today, almost every kid is using a smartphone and resorting to the internet to fulfill their thirst for knowledge. With a myriad of browsers available, Mozilla Firefox comes up as one of the favorites and allows all types of searches until restrictions are applied. 

Being a parent, you cannot always monitor what kind of content your kid is engaging with, but you can surely consider the option of parental control on Firefox. Though the browser lacks built-in parental controls, it is possible to tweak a few settings and pave a secure path for your child’s browsing adventure.

To learn how to do that, you can proceed further with this write-up.

Quick Answer: If you want to block inappropriate websites on Firefox, go to Settings >>  Privacy & Security. Then set the pointer to Strict.

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Firefox?

Parental controls for any software or program allow you to restrict your kid from coming across any mature or inappropriate content. When it comes to browsers, you can change a few settings or try add-ons to enhance security.

That said, let’s take a look at the options you have to set Firefox parental controls.

Notes

These steps mentioned below are performed on a desktop, but they’ll be the same for other devices with Android or iOS and MacBook.

Block Inappropriate Sites

Blocking inappropriate websites on Firefox will ensure your children won’t engage with any mature or explicit content on the internet. You can follow these steps to do so:

  • Open Firefox and click the three-line menu button in the top right.
    hamburger
  • Now, click Settings from the list of options available.
    click setting
  • Then, click on Privacy & Security on the left.
    Click on Privacy & Security
  • Set the pointer to Strict.
    Strict

Doing this will restrict inappropriate websites for your children.

Download the Parental Control Add-on

As a parent, you can always consider using the add-on features Firefox offers. To install any add-ons for safety purposes, follow these steps:

  • Click on the three-line menu button and select the option Add-ons and themes
    Select Add-ons and themes
  • In the search box given above, type the name of the add-on you’d like to install. For instance, type “parental controls” there and click on the search button.
    search
  • Now, you can choose any parental control add-on from the results. For example, click on the first option, i.e. Parental Control: Family Friendly Center.
  • To install it, click on Add to Firefox.
    Add to Firefox


Wait for a while, and you’ll find the same add-on ready to use. Some of the other add-ons you can consider are Blocksite and FoxFilter.

Block Deceptive Content

To block deceptive content and to avoid any dangerous software from installing:

  • Go to Settings >> Privacy & Security.
  • Scroll down to Security, and check all the boxes to block deceptive content and malicious software.
    Check all the boxes 

Limit Screen Time for Firefox (iPhones Only)

Another option you can try if your child is using Firefox on an iPhone is to limit its screen time. With this option, your kid will only be able to run the browser for a specific period of time. To limit screen time on iPhone:

  • Open Settings >> Screen Time >> App Limits.
    Settings Screen Time App Limits
  • Then, from the category list, tap Other and set the pointer to Firefox.
    other firefox1
  • Now, choose the screen time to use Firefox on the iPhone every day, and tap Add to confirm your action.
    add

That’s it. Now, your child will only be able to browse on Firefox within a set time limit. In addition, this method is suggested after you’ve already set the parental control settings on the browser itself.

Wrapping Up

You’ll find no particular parental control setting in Firefox, so the only options you have are to install a few add-ons, block inappropriate sites, and use any third-party apps.

Changing a few settings instead of parental controls on Firefox will also make sure your kids have a safe browsing experience. Nevertheless, third-party apps can also do a fine job.

FAQs

Does Firefox have built-in parental control features?

No, Firefox has no built-in parental control. However, you can change a few settings and try some add-ons.

Does Firefox parental control have a location tracker?

No, there’s no location tracker included in Firefox’s parental control settings.

How do I block 18+ content on Firefox?

You can simply install an add-on and block any websites that seem to be posting mature or explicit content.

Is Firefox better than Chrome?

When it comes to choosing between Chrome or Firefox, the former proves to be better security-wise. Firefox provides multiple additional security features, and it is an open-source application.

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